| p>Have you have ever wondered, "Am I in an | | | | relaxing or reading a book. You are afraid all the time |
| abusive relationship?" "Is this normal?" "Do other | | | | that he will get angry because you are not doing |
| people go through what I am experiencing?" "Why | | | | "something" that you are supposed to do. If he finds |
| do I hate myself?" "Why am I so sad?" "What | | | | you relaxing he will get angry and you cannot risk |
| happened to my life?" "Why do I feel like I can't do | | | | that, so you are anxious your listening is heightened |
| anything right?" "Why is he so nice to others, but not | | | | so that he does not catch you. |
| to me and the children?" | | | | 4. How are you feeling? Are you feeling tired and |
| These may be some of the questions that you have | | | | stressed most of the time? Do you find yourself |
| been asking yourself just like I did. Your questions | | | | unable to complete your tasks during the day |
| are perfectly normal and healthy. Learning to identify | | | | because you are too tired? Do you find yourself |
| the signs of abuse in a relationship is the first sign to | | | | cranky with yourself or the children? Do you find |
| healing. You do not even realize that you are being | | | | yourself unable to sleep at night because you are |
| abused. You know that you are not happy. You wish | | | | thinking too much? So you are not sleeping well at |
| that things could be better, but you are not sure | | | | night and you are tired and stressed out during the |
| how to make that happen. | | | | day. |
| Here are some signs to look out for in your | | | | 5. Are you wondering what is wrong with you? Do |
| relationship. Being conscious and aware of you and | | | | you hate yourself? Do you find yourself berating |
| your feelings are critical for you to identify what is | | | | yourself with negative self talk? Are you angry with |
| happening in your life. | | | | yourself because you feel like a failure? Do you think |
| 1. Do you find yourself walking on eggshells when | | | | that you are the cause of all your problems in your |
| your husband or boyfriend is around? Are you always | | | | relationship? |
| on edge because you are unsure of what you should | | | | If you answered YES to two or more questions, you |
| say or what you should do? | | | | may be in an abusive relationship. Start observing |
| 2. Are you constantly worried about how he will | | | | your behavior. Go online and do some searches about |
| react? You never know if he will be happy or angry | | | | verbal and emotional abuse. This is an important step |
| today. Every day seems to be another trial of | | | | in your healing. You may also consider going to the |
| whether he will yell loud or yell louder so you are | | | | library and getting some books on the subject. |
| worried all the time. | | | | Most importantly, listen to your feelings. Let them be |
| 3. Do you find yourself anxious that he will catch you | | | | your guide. You may be on to something important. |